have designs on

Idioms  

1. Contrive a secret plot or scheme, especially with selfish motives. For example, I think he has designs on my job, or Mary has designs on her sister's boyfriend. This term uses design in the sense of “a crafty plan,” a usage dating from about 1700.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

have designs on

The Chargers still have designs on overtaking Denver and winning the division.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2025

Even in this up and down season, the province will have designs on winning this trophy but it's a tough assignment first up with an away day in France.

From BBC ● Apr. 6, 2024

But he doesn’t simply have designs on taking the Cougars that far.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 20, 2023

The Dodgers, notably, pulled Clayton Kershaw after seven perfect innings because the veteran left-hander had thrown 80 pitches on a cold afternoon in Minnesota and they have designs on a deep postseason run.

From New York Times ● May 15, 2022

He peppered Lawrence with pointed gossip about rival institutions that might have designs on him.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik